Explore Salem’s Museums This Summer

Salem’s museums tell stories you won’t find elsewhere. From art and history to architecture and mental health advocacy, these spaces offer a deeper look at the people, events, and ideas that have shaped Oregon.

Bush House Museum

Historic rooms, contemporary exhibits, and evolving conversations about Oregon’s past make this house-turned-museum a thought-provoking cultural destination. The surrounding gardens and grounds make it worth the visit even before you step inside. 600 Mission St SE. bushhousemuseum.org

Special Event — Step beyond the walls and into the story of one of Salem’s most iconic homes with this special architecture tour of the Bush House, exploring the design, craftsmanship, history, and mystery. 1:30 p.m. Aug 16 at Bush House Museum. 

Deepwood Museum & Gardens

Tour a beautifully restored Victorian home surrounded by formal gardens, walking paths, and towering trees. It’s one of Salem’s most picturesque historic properties and a glimpse into life at the turn of the twentieth century. 1116 Mission St SE. deepwoodmuseum.org

Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Located on the campus of Willamette University, the Hallie Ford features changing exhibitions alongside one of the region’s strongest collections of Native American, Pacific Northwest, and contemporary art. 700 State St. hfma.willamette.edu

OSH Museum of Mental Health

Explore the history of mental health treatment in Oregon through exhibits that are fascinating, thought-provoking, and deeply human. Film fans may also recognize the hospital grounds from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. 2600 Center St NE. oshmuseum.org

Willamette Heritage Center

Step into Salem’s past through historic buildings, rotating exhibits, and stories that trace the region’s cultural and industrial roots. The campus offers one of the most immersive looks at local history in the Mid-Willamette Valley. 113 Mill St SE. willametteheritage.org

Special Event — Take a fresh look at the past with a curator-led tour of Willamette Heritage Center, exploring how America’s bicentennial shaped the stories we preserve today. Centered around the special exhibit Echoes of ’76, this guided experience offers new perspectives even for repeat visitors. 10 a.m. Jul 3

Author: The Instigator